Prenatal and Postpartum Care

Acupuncture, Chinese medicine, reiki, and massage can be used throughout pregnancy to encourage physical, emotional, and mental harmony. These therapies can offer safe relief from common complaints of pregnancy, help to prevent miscarriage, assist in preparing the body for birth, and aid in post-natal recovery.

Pregnancy can be an amazing time in a woman’s life, and it can also be a time filled with equally amazing changes. These changes, to both a woman’s mind and body, can be challenging, and sometimes a woman can feel out of balance. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help a woman better manage these changes, along with the natural pressures that pregnancy brings to her body, offering support to women on physical, emotional and even energy levels. The gentle application of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine methods can effectively manage the many changes that pregnancy incurs. Additionally, a lot of what is considered to be the negative “side effects” of pregnancy can also be lessened and alleviated through the use of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

Even in the very earliest stages of pregnancy, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can contribute to and provide additional support for a woman’s healthy pregnancy. In fact, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can be beneficial right from the beginning of a pregnancy. Our program helps support a healthy and peaceful pregnancy every step of the way.

First Trimester

During the first trimester, acupuncture focuses on establishing a healthy foundation for pregnancy. Treatments are aimed to prevent miscarriage and to relieve symptoms. To best manage the first trimester’s challenges, treatments are recommended once a week. To cap off the first trimester, a “beautiful baby” needle point is given. In the first trimester, the symptoms and side effects that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help include:

· Morning sickness,

· Colds and flus,

· Threatened miscarriage,

· Anxiety,

· Digestive irregularities,

· Sinus congestion,

· Anemia,

· Fatigue and low energy, and

· Recurrent miscarriage.

Second Trimester

Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can also assist a woman through all the stages of her pregnancy. During the second trimester, the goal of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is to maintain balance and provide amelioration of some of the common challenges. The recommended frequency of treatments is determined on an individual basis, as some women only come in twice a month, while others receive additional treatments. The beautiful baby point is again used at the end of the second trimester. In the second trimester, acupuncture can help mitigate:

· Heartburn,

· Carpal tunnel syndrome,

· Leg cramps,

· Sciatica,

· Hemorrhoids,

· Muscle aches and pains, and

· Preterm labor.

Third Trimester

During the third trimester, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help a woman prepare for healthy labor and delivery. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments are recommended once a week during the last month, and during the entire third trimester, they can also help alleviate:

· High blood pressure,

· Pelvic pain,

· Incontinence,

· Back pain,

· Malpositioning of baby,

· Edema,

· Insomnia,

· Labor preparation.

Postpartum Care

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatments do not end with a healthy birth. They also can be a very important part of a woman’s recovery during the postpartum period. Postpartum care can help the various systems of a woman’s body rebalance, as well as alleviate any pain or discomfort from the birth. Care can also provide calm to a woman’s emotional wellbeing. Ideally, acupuncture begins about two weeks postpartum, and it continues for up to two months. The nourishing treatments can help new mothers navigate a variety of conditions, including:

· Insufficient lactation;

· Blocked milk ducts;

· Mastitis;

· Night sweats;

· Low energy levels;

· Hormonal imbalances;

· Abdominal pain;

· Postpartum pain and discomfort;

· Incontinence;

· Perineal healing;

· Depression or ‘baby blues’;

· Anxiety; and

· Cesarean recovery, including incision and scar healing treatments.

For more information on massage services during and after pregnancy, click here.

For information on prenatal and postpartum reiki services, click here.

Our Mission at Orchid

Our serene Milwaukee offices promote individualized attention and treatment plans, with the goal of restoring wellness and encouraging optimal health. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.